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Asher June Black and Ada Plum were excited to see they were in Davina Presley’s class when Plum entered the classroom on the first day at Level Grove Elementary. The girls chatted as they colored. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Asher June Black and Ada Plum were excited to see they were in Davina Presley’s class when Plum entered the classroom on the first day at Level Grove Elementary. The girls chatted as they colored. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Packed with firsts

News Staff
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
By Hannah CaudellOn Aug. 7, Habersham County students shouldered backpacks and headed to class for their first day back to school.For many students and teachers alike, it was a day of firsts.
Connie Barrow hands a retired flag to Gene Griffith at the luncheon. Griffith is a U.S. Marine who was wounded in Korea. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Connie Barrow hands a retired flag to Gene Griffith at the luncheon. Griffith is a U.S. Marine who was wounded in Korea. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Veterans gather for Purple Heart Day

News Staff
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
By Samantha SinclairHabersham EMC was full of purple on Friday with just about every one of the 150 seats in the room filled with veterans, family members and other community members honoring Purple Heart Day.The Habersham County Commission office held the Purple Heart Appreciation Luncheon in...
Alto Chief Financial Officer Lisa Turner discusses insurance numbers with council members during the town’s Tuesday night work session. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Alto Chief Financial Officer Lisa Turner discusses insurance numbers with council members during the town’s Tuesday night work session. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Alto passes resolution for road mileage update

News Staff
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
by Hannah CaudellAlto’s Town Council unanimously approved a resolution to authorize an update to the town’s total road mileage with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).According to Mayor Gail Armour, eight streets in the town limits were unaccounted for in GDOT’s records, including...
Assistant Superintendent David Leenman speaks before the Board of Education Monday night to talk about the first day of school at the secondary level. During Thursday’s work session, Leenman presented quotes the school system received for a 500 Chromebook purchase. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Assistant Superintendent David Leenman speaks before the Board of Education Monday night to talk about the first day of school at the secondary level. During Thursday’s work session, Leenman presented quotes the school system received for a 500 Chromebook purchase. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

BOE approves 500 Chromebook purchase

News Staff
Monday, August 10, 2026
By Hannah CaudellMany Habersham County students are about to get brand new Chromebooks.On Monday night, the Habersham County Board of Education voted unanimously to purchase 500 new Chromebooks through Princeton IT Services Inc. for $241,555 using Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax...
Spradlin

Spradlin

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Prison officer arrested for oath violation

News Staff
Friday, August 7, 2026
By Hannah CaudellA correctional officer of Lee Arrendale State Prison has been arrested on charges of computer invasion of property and violation of oath of office.Amanda Spradlin, 42 of Flowery Branch, who is listed in warrants with the title “OFC” or operational firearms commander, was arrested...
Juanita Broom, right, smiles at Christine Hopkinson as they do a resistance band workout during the wellness retreat at Glen-Ella Springs Inn and Restaurant. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Juanita Broom, right, smiles at Christine Hopkinson as they do a resistance band workout during the wellness retreat at Glen-Ella Springs Inn and Restaurant. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Resetting the mind

News Staff
Friday, August 7, 2026
By Samantha SinclairDr. Michelle Seidling’s plans are coming together.When she and her husband Brian purchased Glen-Ella Springs Inn and Restaurant a year ago this month, she was looking for a place she could use to host wellness retreats.
(Hannah Caudell/Staff)

(Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Warm welcome back

News Staff
Friday, August 7, 2026
Students are returning for the first day of classes at Habersham County Schools today, Friday, Aug. 7. This week, schools held open houses where students and parents could meet the teachers, fill out important paperwork and learn more about the upcoming school year.
Erik Keith, Alice Venter

Erik Keith, Alice Venter

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Emotions rise at Baldwin meeting

News Staff
Friday, August 7, 2026
By Samantha SinclairCook Construction made its first case for annexation and rezoning for its latest project Tuesday night, but the biggest fireworks came as the Baldwin City Council entered and exited executive session.While the vote to go into executive session did not provide the reason for...
Georgia Foothills United Way

Georgia Foothills United Way

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Georgia Foothills United Way kicks off campaign

News Staff
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
By Samantha SinclairIf each person holds one candle in a space, they have the potential to fully light up that space.That’s the idea behind the Georgia Foothills United Way campaign theme this year: Rooted in Community, Lighting the Way to a Better Tomorrow.“I want everybody in the community to be...
Habersham Central High School Principal Dr. Adam Bagwell stands amongst some of the offerings in the new Raider Food Mart, a food bank for all students to enjoy starting Aug. 7. (Submitted)

Habersham Central High School Principal Dr. Adam Bagwell stands amongst some of the offerings in the new Raider Food Mart, a food bank for all students to enjoy starting Aug. 7. (Submitted)

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‘If it helps one kid, it’s worth doing’

News Staff
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
By Hannah CaudellA surprise is waiting for Habersham Central High School students for their first day back in class: a free food pantry.The pantry was built in collaboration between the Habersham County School System and nonprofits Habersham Family Connections and the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.